J.D. Degree

Applying for the J.D. degree program

Find out how to apply

Applications to UMKC Law must be completed and submitted electronically through the LSAC website. Click on J.D. application instructions (below) to find information about application and degree requirements.

J.D. application instructions

Explore enrollment options

We understand that our primary JD enrollment starting in the fall might not work for all of our students. To assist each of our students in meeting their legal education goals, we offer a variety of enrollment options.

Summer Start Program Spring Start Program 90+ Program Part-time enrollment

Review the timeline

Want to know where you’re at in the admissions process? Check out our detailed application timeline to stay in the loop.

It is recommended that you apply to law school early in the admissions cycle, as we have rolling admissions, which means that seats fill up as the year progresses.

There is a slight advantage if you apply by the fall or winter, but we will often accept applications through the summer before entry. Please refer to our list of important dates below about the law school admissions timeline.

  • September 1 - J.D. program application available
  • November 1 - Application deadline for students interested in Spring Start
  • November 25 - Full seat deposit ($500) deadline for Spring Start admitted students
  • January 9 - Spring orientation begins
  • January 17 - Spring classes begin
  • March 1  - Priority application deadline for full scholarship consideration
  • March 1  - Priority filing date for financial aid (FAFSA) submission
  • March 1  - Application deadline for international J.D. students
  • March 1 - Application deadline for students interested in Summer Start
  • March 18 - Admitted Students’ Day
  • April 1 - Application deadline for full admission consideration for Fall Start
  • April 1 - First seat deposit ($250) deadline for Summer and Fall Start*
  • May 1 - Second seat deposit ($250) deadline for Summer Start
  • May 15  - Second seat deposit ($250) deadline for Fall Start*
  • May 15 - Summer orientation begins
  • May 22 - Summer Start classes begin
  • August 14 - Fall orientation begins
  • August 21 - Fall classes begin
*Rolling seat deposit deadlines will be assigned to applicants admitted after mid-March.

Apply online

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Because getting a spot is competitive, we recommend applying by March 1.

Apply now

Check the status of your application

Stay up to date on the status of your application. Check back often — our admissions team is continually reviewing applications. 

Find application status